Meet Our Volunteers
E.K Carter has volunteered at Loaves & Fishes for nearly 8 years. A retired pastor, Brother Carter says the best thing about volunteering here
is serving people. He really enjoys the work and being able to do some of
the “heavy lifting”. Originally from California he came to Texas to go to
school and then to Van as a local pastor on July 15, 1957 remaining until
October, 1989. When his first wife became ill he was looking for a place to
serve and came to Loaves & Fishes because it was local. He has
remained here ever since and we truly appreciate his willingness to do whatever is asked of him. Brother Carter has five children, three boys and two girls.
Francine Allen has been a volunteer at Loaves & Fishes for 5 years. Jane Burns is her niece and was working at Loaves and Fishes when Francine
retired. When Jane had a load of peaches they needed to move out she called
Francine to see if she wanted them for canning. Francine came to get the
peaches, talked to Jane, found out this was a volunteer organization and has
been volunteering ever since. When Francine began to lose her sight, she had
to give up some of her volunteer activities but continues to volunteer on food service days. She helps distribute food always greeting clients with a smile and a kind word. She says the best part of being here is the people, both volunteers and clients. She has formed a bond with many of the clients over the years and genuinely cares about them. The staff and volunteers love and appreciate Francine. She is the sunshine of our day. Mr. Gaston brings fresh eggs each Tuesday. He brings between 12 and 40 dozen at a time...depending on his chickens! This is where we get the eggs we give to our clients and why we sometimes have more than other times. Blame it on the chickens!
